Mae West: In Blackface

Among several intriguing studies on the American actress MAE WEST there is one written by Marybeth Hamilton, who holds a Ph.D. in History from Princeton University and teaches American History at Birkbeck College, University of London.
• • In When I'm Bad, I'm Better, Marybeth Hamilton discusses how Mae West's former lover George Raft, who was becoming a matinee idol in Hollywood during 1932, was instrumental in getting Mae a cameo role as Maudie Triplett, his blowsy ex-girlfriend in "Night After Night." Hamilton also explains how Mae was aghast at being cast in such a colorless bit part — — and then went on to revise her dialogue and win all the applause. "If nothing else," writes Hamilton, "[Mae West] showed Paramount that they were dealing with an expert scene stealer."
• • It is not surprising that Marybeth Hamilton mentions the hatcheck girl's line: "Goodness, what beautiful diamonds!" and Maudie Triplett's famous comeback: "Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie!" [Mae borrowed the routine from her diamond-draped pal Texas Guinan.]
• • What was left unsaid in this study (and other Mae West books) about that film scene?
• • Curiously, no writer ever mentions that Paramount made the 21-year-old actress Patricia Farley play the role of the hatcheck girl in blackface.
• • Take a peek. Do you remember the sepia-skinned beauty in the scene — — or not? How come no one ever mentions the deliberately darkened skin? Why not?
• • Here's another question: which house in the West 50s inspired the plot of "Night After Night" [originally titled "Number 55"]? Which heiress was raised in that stately residence? Which Pulitzer Prize-winner wrote the short story that Hollywood adapted for the screenplay? Which gangster met his death on the marble staircase?
• • On Friday evening 17 August 2007, a guided tour will stop at that location in midtown Manhattan, that is, the "Mae West Side Story" walking tour. The event, open to the public, is timed to salute the Brooklyn-born bombshell on her birthdate. [See the Annual Mae West Gala posting below.]
• • Speaking of blackface, Mae West "blacked up" for vaudeville performances and was known as an expert "coon shouter" in 1911. Other vaudevillians who "blacked up" were Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, Al Jolson, and many more.
• • Only 23 more days until Mae's birthday!
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West in "Night After Night" • • 1932 • •
NYC
Mae West.